This is the photo I used for the painting. He looks so happy with a big smile on his face!

I started with a quick sketch and then blocked in the blacks and rusts on his head and face.

I used purples for the shadows to work with the complementary color, yellow, used in the whites of his fur. I added his bright, hunter orange collar, bright pink tongue, and sparkling eyes that capture his sweet, gentle personality and happy demeanor.